What Everyone Should Know About Peptic Ulcer Diseases

Following the normal rhythm of our body system is very vital in maintaining a healthy well-being. It can be achieved through lifestyle modifications such as doing exercise, eating a proper diet, eliminating stress-provoking factors, having adequate rest and sleep, and having a regular check-up with your doctor. Sticking to these routines will prevent you from acquiring illnesses that might jeopardize your health.

Ingesting the right kind and proper amount of food facilitates nourishment of our body. However, altering your eating pattern and ingesting too much that is avoided may bring problems that will eventually result in acquiring diseases putting your health at risk. One of the common diseases that involve our gastro-intestinal tract are the acid-pepsin related disorders or what we commonly known as peptic ulcer diseases.

Peptic ulcer diseases (PUD), or simply ulcers, is a set of disease characterized by ulceration of the mucosal wall of the stomach going to pylorus and the rest of the large intestines that are accessed by gastric secretions. Ulcers are mainly caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, producing a certain enzyme that tends to decrease mucus production that coats the stomach and intestinal lining.

Other causes such as too much intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, too much of alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, increase intake of stimulants such as caffeine, chocolates, spices and milk, and stress also contributes in the development of ulcers. Moreover, individuals with Type A personality are also at risk of developing ulcers.

Peptic ulcer diseases have several types based on their location and the severity of the ulceration. Duodenal ulcers can be found on the duodenal lining and linings on some parts of the large intestines. Ulcer pain occurs due to increase production of hydrochloric acid that irritates the ulceration. Signs and symptoms of duodenal ulcer include weight gain, pain that is felt few hours after mealtime, and sometimes there’s a blood streak in the stool caused by irritation of the ulcers.

On the other hand, gastric ulcer excavates on the stomach lining due to decrease mucosal barriers that protects the lining of the stomach. You might feel pain right after eating meals or when stomach is empty, and is relieved by vomiting. A noticeable weight loss might also be observed when having this type of ulcer.

If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor. Your physician will advise you some interventions to be done to prevent further complications to happen. Also, there will be certain medications to be prescribed that help ease pain and promote comfort. Some of the drugs given to treat ulcers are antibiotics for infection, and medications that act on the GI tract like antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, and cytoprotective drugs.

Prevention is still better than cure. You can take part in avoiding ulcers to develop again through modifying your lifestyle routine. Certain substances continue to irritate the lining of your GIT if ingested in huge amounts. Thus, you should avoid irritants like smoking, alcohol and stimulants like caffeine and chocolates. Stress must also be avoided as it puts you at risk from acquiring ulcers again. Eat an adequate meal and provide yourself an ample time for rest and sleep. With these measures, you will be free from ulcers while living your healthy life.

Please note that the information provided on this website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice or treatment for your specific medical conditions.